Rising SA golf star Aldrich Potgieter in the mix ahead of final round at Torrey Pines

Potgieter - still only 20 years old - gained international attention when he won the prestigious 2022 Amateur Championship at just 17 years old, becoming one of the youngest winners in the tournament's history. 

He was granted Special Temporary Member status on the PGA Tour after earning enough points through his performances in several tournaments, which included becoming the youngest ever winner on the Korn Ferry Tour at the 2024 Bahamas Great Abaco Classic.

Through the first month of the PGA Tour season, Potgieter has averaged 338.5 yards per drive, the longest on Tour.

Asked on Friday why he has progressed so quickly in golf, he replied simply, "It's just a gift from God. I've definitely been given a talent."

Potgieter opened with a superb 66 on day one but then struggled along with the rest of the field in Thursday's second round amid high winds, posting a 76.

He was able to bounce straight back in Friday's third round, however, a five-under-par 67 leaving him just two shots behind leader Harris English in solo third place on seven under, with Andrew Novak a shot ahead in second.

The South African's third round included a spectacular eagle two on the par-four 12th where he holed out from 173 yards - a sign of the burly youngster's prodigious talent and hitting ability.

This week's PGA tournament started on Wednesday and will finish on Saturday to accommodate the NFL play-offs on Sunday, which will determine which two teams make it to the Superbowl.

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